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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Book Review: The Orb of Azcera

The Orb Of Azcera by Tony Van Sant (provided to me for review by I Just Finished) is a freakin' huge tome of a novel. At over 600 pages, it read surprisingly quick, though. Orb is an interesting book featuring both fantasy aspects and science fiction that come crashing together shortly into the story.

We're introduced to three main sets of characters: the fantasy setting characters, the protagonist "modern" characters, and the antagonist "modern" characters. Starting with the fantasy characters, what we quickly come to realize are just the ancient peoples of a particular planet, the story begins with a king ordering the construction of a magical orb that grants him seemingly limitless power, makes him indestructible, and he uses to obliterate opposition to his kingdom. He also has created the only thing that can defeat the orb, a magical sword that he gives to the commander of his army, in order to make sure no one abuses the power of the orb.

In the future, we meet a special operations team chasing down an escaped convict that has come into possession of the same orb. As they track him down, he uses the orb to banish the team away from him. Eventually, the operatives must return to him and attempt to destroy the orb.

This story takes many surprising turns but easily incorporates them into the overall plot. Overall, the story was satisfying and quite fun. I only have three minor complaints about the book: it's long, there are a ton of characters to try to remember, and the event on the very last page which I won't spoil. That event doesn't spoil the book at all, in fact it sets up a possible sequel and some really interesting character development to come.

The Orb Of Azcera by Tony Van Sant (ISB 978-1449066352) was released in March 2010 by AuthorHouse.

Disclaimer of Disclaiming: Sometimes publishers or authors give me their book or product free so I can review it. When they do, I'll mention it in the review. Sometimes I get books I want to read for my own enjoyment from PaperBackSwap. The product links in the reviews take you to Amazon.com, where if you buy the linked item I get a very small percentage of the purchase price (because I like cash). The Orb Of Azcera was provided to me for review by I Just Finished.